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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

GSMRR Photo Excursion

Grenville posted about our photo excursion ride on the GSMRR from Bryson City to Andrews, NC.

These collages show more of the sights on our day trip.

Fontana Lake is a reservoir impounded by Fontana Dam on the Little Tennessee River in Graham and Swain counties in NC. The lake forms part of the southern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the northern border of part of the Nantahala National Forest. Depending on water levels, the lake is about 17 miles long.

This lake is a favorite with house boaters and has many inlets into coves and many islands formed from former mountain peaks, especially near the eastern end. As with most dam-impounded lakes, the steep banks are visible when water levels are low.

The Nantahala River is considered western NC’s ,most scenic river for whitewater rafting. We saw rafters, kayakers and canoeists and most waved back, luckily without capsizing.The train ride provided beautiful vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains, often called the Smoky Mountains, shortened to the Smokies. These mountains are best known as the home of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited U.S. national park

There were many old homes; Grenville claimed this one just needed a fresh coat of paint, also some windows and doors – but that roof looks pretty good.

There were lots of barns – a red one was my favorite.

Our destination was the town of Andrews, NC. which gave train riders a warm welcome, cake and refreshments.

You had some fantastic views on your train ride! It looks like you had beautiful weather too. The barns and old house are great. I have a suspicion that the interior of the house might need quite a bit of work, and I don't think a coat of paint is going to do it.

I showed this post to Patient Husband and said "can we do this?" He said "never thought of doing such a thing..but we can think about it." Does that mean yes? Is there a train like that in California that goes clear to Maine? OHHHH...I hope so! To see the U.S. and not have to drive..I think I would like that very much. GREAT post.

AC, the old house was somewhat in a valley so it did seem smaller. Interestingly enough there were no apparent roads leading to it. The house itself looked very interesting. It always make me wonder how people can just walk away from what was once a home.

Hi Carole, it was a wonderful trip and yes, Elaine we did have good weather. Sadly I agree with you about work needed on that house.

Tammy & Mona, there are train trips available through Amtrak which offers something like an extended 45-day rail pass. Grenville is already hinting at that for our next train trip. And, Tammy it was sometimes difficult to get the focus correct when on the train, but I took lots of photos and hoped for the best.

Allison, I agree but it's too bad the house was let go to ruin.

Thanks, Possum. We lucked out on no rain both days.

Thanks, Steve & Daisy. We lucked out on some great scenics.

Hey Christer, you and Grenville both would want to live on a houseboat. I prefer land which is why we're trying to sell a boat now. Yes, I know you really like red like in your cottage!